10 Beach and Pool Etiquette Rules

Learn which manners to mind when youre in a public swimming area

By Brynn Mannino

Most people head to the beach or pool to relax and let loosebut how loose is too loose? Learn which discourteous behaviorsfrom blasting your music to letting your kids (or pets) roam freelyto avoid so you can keep the peace this summer.

Rule #1: Keep your music down.

Especially at the beach, where theres a ton of background noise to drown it out, theres no harm in playing your music at a reasonable volume, says Lizzie Post, spokeswoman for The Emily Post Institute. But at a beach or pool that is more low-key, a blaring stereo is not only disruptive to other visitors, but it can make it difficult for the lifeguard to hear a call for help, says B.J. Fisher, director of health and safety at the American Lifeguard Association (ALA). Prevent someone from having to get up and lug their stuff across the sand by situating yourself away from crowds and the lifeguard stand, recommends Post. And choose your music wisely! Certain artists are just straight-up inappropriate in a family-friendly environment. Photo: Thinkstock

Rule #2: Dont bother the lifeguard.

Though they are often the only employees present at a public beach or pool, lifeguards have one important job to focus on: surveying the water. Every time someone approaches the lifeguard with a problem, its taking his or her attention away from the water, says Fisher. If you have a question or concern, find an off-duty lifeguard or attendant to approach instead. Photo: Thinkstock

Rule #3: Take responsibility for your kids.

The pool and beach are not daycare centers, says Post. Not only should parents resist the urge to lie back and let their kids run wild, they must also assume responsibility for their childs swimming skill level, she says. If you wouldnt let your child swim alone, dont leave your child with the lifeguard and ask him or her to give your child special attention, as he or she is responsible for watching everyone else in the pool or ocean, says Westhampton, NY-based pool and ocean lifeguard Ashley Arcuri. In fact, she recommends children not be left alone unless they are at least 8 years oldor are exceptionally strong swimmers. Photo: Thinkstock

Rule #4: Wear appropriate swimwear.

When it comes to swimming apparel, both safety and courtesy should be taken into account. In regard to safety, avoid wearing baggy clothing, like an oversize T-shirt or heavy jean shorts. Doing so puts swimmers in danger, as it weighs them down, says Fisher. (Tip: If youre worried about protecting your or your child's skin from the sun, invest in apparel specifically made for swimming and surfing.) In terms of etiquette, its important to think about the company you'll be in when deciding what to wear. If your hosts or surroundings are slightly more conservative, I might forgo wearing the teeny bikini, says Post. I do think its considerate to recognize the community or home that youre in, she adds. And, of course, don't go nude or even topless unless the beach or pool permits it. Photo: Thinkstock

Rule # 5: Use the pool's facilities.

Though the official pool rules may not require that you rinse off before jumping in the water, use common sense, says Arcuri. From fully showering to rinsing the sand off your feet, do what you can to avoid adding more grime to the poolfor the sake of both fellow swimmers and the lifeguards who often clean the water at the end of day. And always use the restroom. In case you were wondering, urinating in the pool is not the same as urinating in the ocean, says Fisher. For one thing, a pool is a much smaller body of water, but also urine coats chlorine molecules, essentially making them worthless, says Fisher, and chlorine is what kills water-born bacteria and viruses, keeping them from spreading to your fellow swimmersand you. Photo: Thinkstock

Rule # 6: Take your trash with you when you leave the beach.

Food just tastes better on the beach, Post admits, but if youre going to eat along the shore, be sure to clean up after yourselfand that doesnt mean burying food scraps in the sand. Not only does leftover food attract pests and birds, but it creates tons of garbage pileup in the sand. Many beaches actually have to sift trash from the sand each morning using a screening device, says Fisher. To help keep the beach clean, the ALA even started a program in 2007 called Take It Back Plus, which encourages patrons to take the trash they brought with them plus another piece of garbageincluding nonfood items. Cigarette butts are the number-one source of garbage at most beaches, says Fisher. If you're visiting a beach that does permit smoking (some don't, so be sure to check the posted rules and regulations), Post encourages you to throw your cigarette butts in the trash as soon as you've put them out so you won't forget later. Photo: Thinkstock

Rule #7: Mind your dog.

When youre at the beach with your pup, be considerate of the people around you by keeping a close eye on Fido; "a wet dog on your blanket is no fun, nor is a missing sandwich, notes Post. She also adds that "when youre playing fetch or splashing around in the water together, make sure youre in a more secluded area" so you don't disrupt other beachgoers. And don't forget, dog park rules apply at the beach, so bring extra plastic bags to pick up after your pooch. Photo: Thinkstock

Rule #8: Follow the diaper code at the pool.

Whether or not your baby is allowed to wear a regular diaper in the pool depends on the rules of the establishment and your own preferences, says Post. While most public pools require babies who arent potty-trained to wear a waterproof swim diaper, some don't. So if you're going to bring your baby into the pool with a regular diaper, just make sure it is clean. If you notice that the diaper has become soiled while in the pool, take your baby out of the water as quickly as possible and change the diaper," says Post. Note: Most pools ask that you do not throw soiled diapers in the trash cans on the pool deck, so dispose of dirty diapers in the restroom instead. Photo: Thinkstock

Rule #9: Dont get sand in other people's space.

When it comes to pretty much anything that moveskids, dogs, vehicles, shaken towelssand is an issue, Post says. For the most part, you can avoid spraying it onto others by keeping an appropriate distance from neighbors on the beach, especially if you have children or pets who will be running around and kicking it up. If youre driving a four-wheeler or car on the sand, drive slowly and far away from everyone. And try to be extra-careful when you're packing your things up. Whipping and snapping [your towel] is obviously not a good idea, says Post, who recommends bundling it up and walking a few feet away from everyone else, then shaking it out downwind. If the beach is very crowded and you cant get away from others, gently lift the towel from the sand and jiggle it a little to let the sand drop off rather than fly away, she adds. You can always give it a good shake in the parking lot before you get in the car. Photo: Thinkstock

Rule #10: Be courteous of lap swimmers, exercise groups and other poolgoers.

Most pools designate time for lap swimmers, says Fisher. But if they dont, and there are in fact lanes where swimmers can exercise any time of the day, be respectful of their space. Make sure your kids arent playing in the lanes and/or swimming across them as a shortcut when entering or exiting the pool, says Fisher. Its distracting and dangerous, since the lap swimmer is more or less looking straight ahead, he adds. And the same goes for classes or private lessons. Discourage kids from interacting with friends who may be taking the class, and vice-versa, says Fisher, as it takes their attention away from the instructor. So what about splashing? If its a playful spat between friends, of course kids can splashas long as theyre not splashing anyone but each other, says Post. But be careful when they're jumping in, since there are usually at least a handful of swimmers who dont want to get their hair wet or cant get their ears wet because of an infection, she adds. Photo: Shutterstock

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